Gran Sepi with Truffle - Sepi
Gran Sepi with Truffle is much more than a simple cheese; it tells the story of a Sardinian cheesemaking tradition that Sepi Formaggi has been carrying forward with dedication for two generations, combining ancient knowledge with modern production techniques. The raw material is the foundation of this excellence: only the highest-quality sheep's milk is used, collected from Sardinian farms located between the Campidano plain and the inland areas of central Sardinia. The quality of the milk, influenced by the richness and variety of the pastures, gives the cheese its authentic and unmistakable Sardinian pecorino flavour.
The production of Gran Sepi follows the expertise of master cheesemakers: sheep's milk is processed and transformed into cylindrical wheels featuring the characteristic basket-weave pattern on the rind, a distinctive sign of the artisanal nature of the process. During production, the element that transforms this great classic into a true gourmet experience is the skilful addition of truffle. The precious black truffle flakes are carefully blended into the cheese paste, ensuring that their intense, earthy aroma is evenly distributed and allowing their unique flavour to develop during aging.
The aging process gives Gran Sepi with Truffle its final structure: a compact yet crumbly paste that tends to flake pleasantly when cut. The evolving colour of the paste, which changes from milky white to a delicate straw-yellow as it matures, is interrupted by elegant black truffle streaks, creating an attractive visual contrast. The ridged, firm rind tends towards a dark brown colour; it is important to note that, for preservation purposes, the surface of the rind is treated with preservatives (such as E202 and E235) and colouring (E150d) and is therefore not edible.
On the palate, the cheese is pleasant and fragrant. The savoury and slightly pronounced flavour of highly matured pecorino is perfectly balanced by the pleasantly aromatic character of truffle. This combination of flavours makes Gran Sepi an extremely versatile product. It is ideal for a sophisticated aperitif and for a distinctive cheese board, especially when paired with the crispness of pane carasau. In the kitchen, it can be used to add a touch of luxury to simple dishes, grated over pasta or risotto, or shaved over carpaccio. Recommended pairings to enhance its aromatic profile include sweet white wines such as Sardinian Moscato, which contrasts with and enhances its savoury and aromatic qualities, or soft, rounded red wines for a fuller-bodied pairing.
